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Bike Palestine

From Jenin to Jerusalem

A day-by-day breakdown

Day 1:Arrival

On the first day of the cycle tour, we will meet you at 12:00 noon at the Jerusalem Hotel located in Nablus Street, close to Jerusalem's Damascus Gate, opposite the Garden Tomb. From there a service bus will take you to the El Beit Guesthouse in Beit Sahour for a brief orientation. After that, our driver will transfer you to Jenin where you will get acquainted with our local guide, discuss any special needs, expectations and any other relevant information before the tour begins. Dinner and overnight in Hadad Resort.

Day 2:Jenin to Nablus (40 km)

Cycle from Jenin towards Sebastia, the ancient Canaanite, Hellenistic and Roman city. Starting at Haddad Resort, cycle towards the village of Zebabdeh, towards the village of Missilieh. Continuing to the village of Sanour and its beautiful plains. Onwards towards the villages of Yassid and Beit Imrin by hilly roads. Arrive at the hilltop village of Sebastia.

A mixture of up and downhill.

Sebastia is believed to be the place where John the Baptist was beheaded. Lunch in Sebastia, then tour the ancient city and meet the local community. After lunch, cycle to Nablus, tour the old city and enjoy a Turkish bath - optional – at participant’s own expense. Dinner and overnight in the Al- Yasmin Hotel, in the old city of Nablus.

Day 3:Nablus to Taybeh (40 km)

Start cycling in the old city of Nablus towards the south passing the villages of Huwarah and Beita. Continue towards the village of Aqraba – beautiful views of the Jordan Valley. Continue towards Majdal Bani Fadil, and rest in the village of Duma. Afterwards, cycle towards Mughayyar and Khirbet Abu Fallah villages. Next, push the bikes up the highest hill in the Ramallah area. With the support vehicle in attendance, we head towards the village of Kufur Malik, and then Dier Jarir. Arrive in Taybeh in the late afternoon.

Tour the old village center and visit the ruins of the 4th century Byzantine church of St. George. Visit the Peace Lantern Factory, the Taybeh beer factory, and enjoy dinner with local families. Overnight in the Church Guest House in Taybeh.

A few gentle hills to start with then one difficult uphill.

Day 4:Taybeh to Jericho and the Dead Sea (45 km)

Cycle to Jericho. Visit Hisham's Palace and the Mount of Temptation. Cycle through the Jerusalem Wilderness to the Dead Sea. Dinner and overnight in the Jericho Resort Village.

This section is easy - mostly downhill. Cyclists pass through the hills overlooking the awe-inspiring Jordan Valley. Jericho is 300 meters below sea level and is warmer than other locations.

Day 5:Jericho to Mar Saba

Cycle part of the way to Bethlehem. Visit Nabi Musa, and then walk the dirt road to the Greek Orthodox Mar Saba Monastery. Enjoy the wilderness and experience the dramatic landscape. After visiting Mar Saba Monastery, cycle to Bethlehem. Dinner in Bethlehem, and overnight in the El Beit Guesthouse in Beit Sahour.

Set off from Jericho by bike. Uphill for a while, but not too difficult. Then a long stretch of level road passing sand dunes. Disembark from bikes, and walk across the desert to the Greek Orthodox Mar Saba Monastery. A pleasant walk taking approximately 3 -4 hours. Water and sun-block needed. From Mar Saba, the mini-bus transports the cyclists back to the hostel in Beit Sahour.

Day 6:Bethlehem to Hebron (25 km)

Cycle around Bethlehem. Visit the Church of the Nativity and the Shepherd's Field. In the afternoon, cycle to Hebron and visit the old city. Transfer by mini-bus back to Bethlehem. Farewell dinner party in a local restaurant in the Bethlehem area. Overnight in El Beit Guesthouse, Beit Sahour.

Day 7:Bethlehem to Jerusalem

An easy ride from delightful Bethlehem to the divided city of Jerusalem. Visit Jerusalem’s Old City. Enjoy an alternative political and cultural tour in the late afternoon. Dinner and overnight in Jerusalem.

A short ride. Shallow hills.

Day 8:Departure

How difficult will it be?

You will need to be reasonably fit to take this tour. There are some long uphill stretches that will tire even the most experienced cyclist. Fortunately, these are few and far between. There will be a support vehicle at all times to take you and your bike on-board if the going gets tough.